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Williams is confident in Carroll's abilities

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Jamey Carroll is trying to make the roster as a backup infielder.

By Bill Ladson
/
MLB.com |

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals infielder Jamey Carroll is batting .133 (2-for-15) this spring, but that doesn't seem to matter to manager Matt Williams. The skipper pointed out that Carroll can do the little things to make a team better.

As Williams pointed out, Carroll knows how to advance a runner and he gets on base often. In fact, Carroll leads the team in walks with five.

"He is a pro. He knows what he is doing," Williams said. "He knows how to play the game, he knows what the situation of the game will dictate. He knows how to go about doing it. I shy away from saying the little things, but they are important things for your club. He knows what to do and how to do it."

Williams knows what Carroll brings to the table after watching his previous team -- the D-backs -- face Carroll over the years. Carroll is on a Minor League contract and is looking to make the Nationals as a backup infielder. Carroll started Monday's game at shortstop against the Astros and went 0-for-2.

"As far as Jamey goes, I know exactly what he can do," Williams said. "I know what his game is and what he could do. He can play three infield spots. He can do all the things on the baseball diamond you would need. I don't expect him to hit the ball over the fence, but you can hit-and-run with him, move a runner, lay down a sacrifice bunt. He can drive a run in. He understands the game, he is a smart baserunner. All those things -- I've seen it for years and years."